Vegetable Centerpiece

1. Layer cabbage and lettuce leaves around the inside of a 10-inch footed bowl and let the leaves hang over the edge.

2. Place an 8-inch square of floral foam (about $2, available at crafts stores) in the bowl and slowly pour a cup of water over the foam; let it soak for 20 minutes.

3. Arrange the vegetables: Stick artichokes and asparagus directly into the side of the foam and arrange small heads of purple cauliflower around them; fill in the gaps with sage leaves and leftover cabbage.

As tempting as it is for me to serve a fine Burgundy at Thanksgiving, I've learned that most guests do not crave the fussy or the obscure. Wine at Thanksgiving should be like a Steve Martin flick: likable, uncomplicated and inexpensive.

One might assume different shadings of bird would pose a pairing problem, especially once you factor in the cranberry-yammy-beany caravan that trundles across the table. Not so: There are several wines that bridge the Turkey Day food gap.

With all of the anxiety and intimidation surrounding wine purchasing, it is a bloody shame that there is no user’s manual for visiting a wine shop. No matter: These strategies will help you get the most out of a wine merchant.